Ahead of the Curve

The robotics and automation theme has been gaining a lot of attention recently for good reasons. There is an industrial revolution emerging across all industries as they realise that the new tools and applications being developed will be highly disruptive to existing business models. These new technologies cover everything from autonomous cars and delivery drones to surgical tools.

PensionsEurope has welcomed European Commission plans to retain, not scrap, the revised IORP Directive as part of its 2015 Work Programme.

Matti Leppälä, secretary-general of the European pension association, said he would not have been in favour of the Directive’s being withdrawn at this time.

He added that he expected the European Parliament to appoint a rapporteur next week to oversee all IORP-related negotiations between the Council and MEPs, and that it would have been unlikely for the legislation to be withdrawn now the Council of the EU had agreed on compromise drafts.

“The Council agreement is much better than the EC proposal,” he said.

“We hope the outcome after the European Parliament and all other stages will remain good as well.”